Donald Trump and White House's unusual attack on CNN journalist: 'You're loud, be quiet'
The President launched another attack against a journalist who asked him a question, and the official White House account added its own venomous comment.
President Donald Trump reacted aggressively to CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes, who asked him a question and interrupted his remarks. The President told Holmes to be quiet, calling her a "fake reporter" and a "loud, boisterous person." The White House expanded the attack, writing that she is a "shameful and embarrassing disgrace." CNN defended its journalist, describing her as a respected and experienced reporter.
The incident occurred on Monday evening at the White House. After Kristen Holmes asked Donald Trump about sharp criticism against him from a Republican senator and attempted to ask a follow-up question, the President replied:
"Quiet. Quiet. Quiet. You are very disrespectful in the presence of this young man. You are fake news. You are loud. You are a loud and boisterous person. You are fake news. You are a fake reporter."
Later, the official White House account joined the confrontation, posting a video of Donald Trump's remarks. In another tweet, the account moved to a more personal attack, involving her children:
"Someday, your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question. They will be sickened and embarrassed to have a parent be so callous and vindictive. It’s quite troubling."
CNN was quick to defend Holmes, issuing an official statement in which it called her one of the most respected and experienced journalists covering the White House, and clarified that it strongly rejects the attacks against her:
"Elected officials have the right to challenge reports they disagree with, but personal attacks on journalists for the very act of asking questions are beneath the dignity of the office and do not align with the principles of a free press."
Holmes' colleagues also rushed to defend her. Betsy Klein, a political correspondent at CNN, wrote: "Kristen is an excellent reporter who asked a good question. You know what is disgusting and inhumane? Involving her lovely children in this."
